The last month or so has been a bit topsy-turvy for the Lakers. They went on a 9-2 record in the first 11 games after trading in Luka Doncic. But the last 10 have seen them slump to a 6-4 record, which included a 4-game losing streak and the current 3-game winning streak that they’re on. Regardless, you’d be a fool to understate the impact of the Don since his arrival. Just so turns out the impact won’t be visible at the Crypto.com Arena tonight.

The records he’s broken as a Showtimer are basically him showing the finger to Nico Harrison. He’s averaged 26.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8 assists since his arrival, while also becoming the fourth player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double against all 30 league teams. And guess what- that feat was achieved against Nico Harrison’s team, with Mavs fans wanting their GM’s head on a stick after that painful encounter.

He’s missed only 2 of their 18 games since his debut in a 132-113 win over the Jazz on Feb 11th. But in a grueling NBA schedule, the Lakers have played 6 games in 8 days. The cap to those games is a matchup against a struggling Bucks side who’ve lost back-to-back games. There have already been concerns about the Lakers‘ lack of quality without James in the lineup. Imagine telling an LA fan earlier today that not only is their King far from a return, but they won’t even get to witness any Luka magic tonight as he’s out due to an ankle injury management.

This is a huge loss for them. They have the 14 games left of the regular season, and have the 3rd toughest schedule of any of the league’s teams. Table topping Thunder are due for a bout twice, as are in-form Rockets. The most important one would be against long time rivals Golden State Warriors, who they welcome on April 4th. But the Doncic loss can be seen two ways- either it’s a huge one considering their matchups, or it’s relatively better giving him rest ahead of the playoffs.

Dissecting Lakers’ playoff priorities

If you’ve got Luka Doncic and LeBron James in the 5 and a 200IQ basketball mind in JJ Redick at the helm, should you really fear anyone? According to former Bulls point guard, the answer is yes. Even though you’re 3rd in the West, apparently you wanna take the easy way out yb avoiding he better teams.

“I do know that if I’m the Lakers, I’m chasing that 2 seed. I am avoiding OKC at all costs until we get to the Western Conference finals. Depending on what Denver is on, I’m tryna avoid them too. So by securing a 2 seed home court- it’s not just home court, it’s 2 seed home court- to me I think that give me the best shot of getting to the NBA finals,” said Williams on First Take.

The comments were filled with Lakers fans in unison and confidence- if they’re championship worthy, they’re not taking the easy way out. Everyone knows that the regular season doesn’t quite give a taste of what the playoffs would have to offer. Even Sharpe said it- OKC, KFC, UFC- Lakers in 5. They have to show that they’e the best. And to be the best, you gotta beat the best.

So yes, the absence of El Matador is gonna be tough. They have a daunting fixture list coming up, and they don’t know the true extent of his ankle injury. Do you think they’ll fall to a struggling Bucks side?